Reverse/Aft Boat Console

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture for providing a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat is disclosed. The recreational boat includes a forward helm console for controlling operation of the boat positioned at a forward position of a cockpit, a reverse/aft console containing a head positioned at an aft portion of the cockpit, an access door in a side of the reverse/aft console to provide a closable enclosing surface to the head within the reverse/aft console, and a pop-top cover coupled to the reverse/aft console for enclosing the head therein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a nautical aid, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat.

BACKGROUND

Many current boat designs have a forward console that provides storage that typically is not large enough to accommodate a head. In these boat designs, the head is currently made in front and underneath a helm in a forward console. The forward console design is limited in height due to the need for the boat's operator to be able to see over it for safety. As such, any head in these boat designs usually is not very large or comfortable to use.

Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for providing a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat. The recreational boat includes a forward helm console for controlling operation of the boat positioned at a forward position of a cockpit, a reverse/aft console containing a head positioned at an aft portion of the cockpit, an access door in a side of the reverse/aft console to provide a closable enclosing surface to the head within the reverse/aft console, and a pop-top cover coupled to the reverse/aft console for enclosing the head therein.

In another aspect of the present invention, the pop-top cover comprises a cover top surface and a set of enclosing sidewalls, the enclosing sidewalls are being sized and orientation to provide vertical extension of the walls of the head 201 upward to the pop-top cover 105 b when raised.

In another aspect of the present invention, the set of enclosing walls comprise a set of fabric surfaces having a number of surfaces matching the inside surfaces of the head.

In another aspect of the present invention, the set of fabric surfaces comprise sheets of fabric, solid blinds, and a set of blind slats.

In another aspect of the present invention, the set of enclosing walls comprise solid panels rescissible into walls of the reverse/aft console.

In another aspect of the present invention, the reverse/aft console further comprises an access door to enclose an entrance to the head.

In another aspect of the present invention, the recreational boat is a v-hull vessel.

In another aspect of the present invention, the recreational boat is a center console catamaran.

In another aspect of the present invention, the reverse/aft console, and the head contained therein, are recessed into the deck.

In another aspect of the present invention, the reverse/aft console further comprises a sink.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another side view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is another side view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a center console catamarans boat according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is another e view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a center console catamarans boat according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a flip-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a nautical aid, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “boater,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g. a human, using a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Reverse/Aft Boat Console.” Invention may be used interchangeably with console.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture providing a nautical aid. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention. In the v-hull boat 101, a forward console mounting bracket 102 includes a helm 110 and storage 109. A rear console 107 may be located immediately behind the helm 110 where it may be configured to be larger as its size does not interfere with operation of the boat 101 using the helm 110.

The rear console 107 may include a pop-top cover 105 with an open position 105 a and a closed position 105 b allowing a user to stand while entering and using the head 201. The rear console also may include a step down 501 as shown in additional detail below with respect to FIG. 5 . A cockpit roof 115 may cover the forward console 109, the helm 110, the rear console 107 and other portions of the boat 101 if desired.

This configuration of the front console 109, the helm HO, and the rear console 107 may be especially useful in smaller vessels that use outboard motors 120 for propulsion as these vessels typically are smaller in size and providing significant space for a full-size head is difficult as all usable deck space is at a premium.

FIG. 2 is another side view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top cover on a v-hull boat according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows another side view of a v-hull vessel 101 providing additional details regarding the head 201 within the rear console 107. The rear console 107 is placed directly behind a seat 111 that is part of the helm 110. An optional sink 202 is positioned on one side of the rear console 107 opposite a door 112 to the rear console 107. The head 201 is placed in front of the sink 202 allowing a user to stand or sit to use the head 201 and reach the sink 202 when needed. The pop-top cover 105 is shown as a telescoping cover with an open 105 a position in which the telescoping cover 105 is raised to allow a user to enter. The pop-top 105 also has a closed position 105 n in which the telescoping top 105 is lowered to provide users on the boat a clear field of vision when the head 201 is not in use.

Additionally, a set of enclosing sidewalls 211 may enclose the reverse/aft console 105 a when the pop-top cover 105 b is raised. The set of enclosing sidewalls 211 may comprise a set of fabric surfaces that are coupled to the pop-top cover 105 b and may be raised and lowered independently from the pop-top cover. The number of fabric surfaces, as well as their respective sized and orientation are intended to match the inside surfaces of the head 201 to provide vertical extension of the walls of the head 201 upward to the pop-top cover 105 b when raised. The set of enclosing sidewalls 211 are intended to provide a level of privacy to users when in and using the head 201.

The set of fabric surfaces of the enclosing walls 211 may be constructed in many desirable materials and textures. The fabric surfaces may be sheets of fabric, may be blinds of any type, may be a set of blind slats, and may be of any thickness, color, and translucency to provide the inside of the head, when in use with a comfortable environment. Alternatively, the set of enclosing sidewalls 211 may also be constructed using solid panels that recess into the reverse/aft console 105 a as the pop-top cover 105 b is raised and lowered. A similar panel may be within the door 107 to complete the enclosure of the head 201.

FIG. 3 is another side view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top cover on a v-hull boat according to the present invention. In this embodiment of FIG. 3 , the reverse/aft console 105 a with a pop-top cover 105 b on a v-hull boat is shown in which the deck line onto which the reverse/aft console 105 a is built is not recessed as in FIG. 1-2 . All other aspects of the reverse/aft console 105 a may be the same as otherwise disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a center console catamarans boat according to the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the reverse/aft console 107 on a center console catamarans boat 301 in a similar configuration as shown above in FIGS. 1-2 for a v-hull boat 101. FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the center console catamarans boat 301 with the rear console 107 utilizing a majority of space within the cockpit under the cockpit hardtop roof 115. The pop-top cover 105 is shown with an open position 105 a and a closed position 105 b over the head 201. The sink 202 is shown on an opposite side of the rear console 107. The door 112 to the head 201 is located on an outside edge of the rear console 107.

FIG. 5 is another rear view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a center console catamarans boat according to the present invention. The center console catamarans boat 301 is shown along with the rear console 107. The pop-top cover 105 may be raised 105 a and lowered 105 b using many different mechanical means including gas shocks, scissor lifts, actuators, motorized arms, and the like. The door 112 may include a retractable door panel 412 to provide privacy to users of the head 201. Space under the sink 202 may be used for storage or other utilities needed on the vessel 301 including battery and electrical equipment and controls, fuel tank stowage, and similar utility functions on the vessel 301.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a pop-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a head 201 in the rear console 107 within a v-hull vessel 101, In the v-hull, a deck within the head 201 may be lowered and include a step 501 at an entrance about the door 112 to provide additional headroom for users when the pop-top cover 105 is raised to the open position 105 a.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of an article of manufacture providing a reverse/aft console with a flip-top on a v-hull boat according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows another v-hull vessel 101 having a recessed deck within the head 201. In this embodiment, the pop-top cover 105 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 has been replaced with a lift-top cover 605 that pivots about a hinge 606 to raise the lift-top cover 605 to an open position 605 a from a closed position 605 b. The lift-top cover 605 is coupled to the rear console 107 using the hinge 606 about a rear edge of the lift-top cover 605 that is opposite of the door 112 behind the head 201. The lift top cover 605 also may be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein in place of the pop-top cover 105.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of manufacture for providing a reverse/aft console with a telescoping top on a recreational boat, the recreational boat comprises: a forward helm console for controlling operation of the boat positioned at a forward position of a cockpit; a reverse/aft console containing a head positioned at an aft portion of the cockpit; an access door in a side of the reverse/aft console to provide a closable enclosing surface to the head within the reverse/aft console; and a pop-top cover coupled to the reverse/aft console for enclosing the head therein.
 2. The recreation boat according to claim 1, wherein the pop-top cover comprises a cover top surface and a set of enclosing sidewalls, the enclosing sidewalls are being sized and orientation to provide vertical extension of the walls of the head 201 upward to the pop-top cover 105 b when raised.
 3. The recreation boat according to claim 2, wherein the set of enclosing walls comprise a set of fabric surfaces having a number of surfaces matching the inside surfaces of the head.
 4. The recreation boat according to claim 3, wherein the set of fabric surfaces comprise sheets of fabric, solid blinds, and a set of blind slats.
 5. The recreation boat according to claim 2, wherein the set of enclosing walls comprise solid panels rescissible into walls of the reverse/aft console.
 6. The recreation boat according to claim 2, wherein the reverse/aft console further comprises an access door to enclose an entrance to the head.
 7. The recreation boat according to claim 6, wherein the recreational boat is a v-hull vessel.
 8. The recreation boat according to claim 6, wherein the recreational boat is a center console catamaran.
 9. The recreation boat according to claim 6, wherein the reverse/aft console, and the head contained therein, are recessed into the deck.
 10. The recreation boat according to claim 1, wherein the reverse/aft console further comprises a sink. 